Over the past 10 years, Maurice Collins has revegetated more than 60 hectares of land, including the ridges and gullies behind him. Despite a five per cent reduction in grazing area, livestock numbers have been maintained and wool quality improved. to new situations and teaching them new skills. "For some, a five-minute TV inter view might have been the biggest challenge; for others it may have been working on the streets of Kings Cross with the Salvation Army or hiking with a 20kg backpack," Maurice says. For him, a highlight was two weeks in Brazil. The group took the opportunity to look at the beef industry, their chosen study topic, as well as the sugar, cotton and ethanol industries. "I was impressed with how open people were with their production and business information. I was also amazed to learn that in Brazil the jail term is longer for cutting down a tree than for robbing a bank!" In November 2006, the participants met in Canberra for their graduation. Maurice says this was not the end of his ARLP experience; the lessons learnt were too big and the friendships too strong to end after 20 months. As a memento, the graduates produced a recipe book, each contributing a favourite dish. Maurice says it illustrates the diversity, innovation and spirit of rural Australia. "It takes the right ingredients, properly prepared, to make a tasty meal, and the same can be said of the people who will sustain rural communities. I encourage anyone interested to take up this challenge." ú More information: www.rural-leaders.com.au For more information about protecting the health of your ewes and lambs talk to your Pfizer Professional Sales Representative. Freecall: 1800 335 374 Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd, 38-42 Wharf Road, West Ryde NSW 2114. ®Registered trademark of Pfizer Australia. OGILVY HEALTHWORLD PAGL0010BTB Glanvac® with B12 for ewes gives lambs the best start in life protects both one dose Improves growth of newborn lambs Maximises wool cut Improves survival of ewe and lamb Provides prolonged vitamin B12 supplementation Supporting future leaders 9 RURAL LEADERSHIP BEYOND THE BALE Maurice Collins says he feels privileged to have been sponsored by AWI to complete the Australian Rural Leadership Program. Sponsors pay 90 per cent of costs, with participants paying the remainder. Ian Rogan, AWI general manager for wool production, says that each year AWI supports a wool-industry person in the program as part of its investment in industry leadership. "With at least one member of each of the AWI and Woolmark Company boards graduating from the program, I know this investment is helping encourage and develop future leaders," Mr Rogan says. Applications for the Course 14 intake of the program close on 31 July. PHOTO: EMMA LEONARD